July 1, 2025
As we pass the midpoint of 2025, Tarentum Borough continues to make strong progress on both financial management and community projects. Below is a summary of where we stand across our major funds and initiatives, along with key updates on ongoing improvements throughout the Borough.
General Fund
Our General Fund remains in balance. Revenue is coming in as projected, and expenses are tracking within budget. We’ve taken steps to invest in long-term service delivery by ordering several new Public Works fleet vehicles to support daily operations and infrastructure work.
We’ve also begun planning for a 2026 transition to a new municipal software system, as our current platform contract is set to expire. This change will enhance our billing, payroll, and utility operations, and we are using this planning period to ensure a smooth migration with minimal disruption.
Additionally, we’ve restructured several Borough departments to improve internal redundancy, particularly in utility operations, ensuring that no single point of failure disrupts critical services.
Project & Program Highlights
Here’s a quick look at the Borough’s progress and planning:
- 2025 Paving: Paving has been awarded and is expected to begin at the end of summer. The following list is of roads that are to be paved or partially paved:
- Summit St.
- Fentzell Ave.
- East 8th
- Coe St.
- West 9th
- West 10th
- Demolition Program: We recently demolished another blighted property, bringing our total to 66 structures removed since 2019, one of the most aggressive blight removal efforts in Allegheny County.
- Dreshar Stadium Demolition: We are still awaiting funding approval before proceeding.
- Riverfront Development: We’ve held several productive meetings with our Riverfront Planning Committee and partners and are ready to launch once grant funding is released.
- EMS Authority: We are moving forward with the formation of a regional EMS Authority to help address the long-term sustainability of emergency services.
- Fire Department Merger: Ongoing planning continues for a collaborative fire services model to improve efficiency and long-term viability.
- K9 Unit: Officer Belusar and K9 Kilo are now fully operational and serving our community.
- Anuszek Commons Dedication: A new community space honoring our late Public Works Director has been formally dedicated.
- The deck restoration on the Mill Street Bridge has been completed, improving safety and access in that area.
- Park Improvements:
- Bollard installation is under analysis for added safety at the Spray Park
- Camera and Wi-Fi upgrades are being implemented to enhance security and usability
Water Fund
The Water Fund remains stable, despite a few unexpected but necessary corrections to plant operations mandated by the DEP. These included upgrades to chemical injection points and repairs or replacements to pumps and motors. Because of our forward-thinking planning and capital reserves, we’ve been able to cover these costs without impacting services or raising rates.
Several water system enhancements are also underway:
- Leak detection equipment has been installed
- Automatic hydrant flushers are expected to arrive shortly
- New water meters with pressure sensors are on the way
- Planning is underway for a major water line replacements
Electric Fund
Electric metered sales are on track with our annual projections. As a reminder, utility billing runs two months behind, so this revenue reflects usage through April.
Starting in June, the Borough’s power supply costs will rise substantially due to a sharp increase in regional capacity charges mandated by PJM Interconnection. This is part of a larger trend affecting many municipalities and utility providers. The Borough’s five-year rate strategy is designed to manage these increases with predictable, incremental adjustments, preserving stability for residents.
For 2025, Tarentum’s all-inclusive electric rate remains stable at approximately 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For comparison:
- West Penn Power is currently around 17.1 cents/kWh
- Duquesne Light is approximately 23 cents/kWh
Despite rising costs, our municipally owned electric system continues to provide residents with competitive and reliable service.
The new electric bucket truck has been delivered and is already in service, supporting system reliability and maintenance needs.
In Summary
At the halfway mark, we are financially stable, operationally focused, and committed to delivering meaningful improvements to our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and services.
We thank our residents, Council, and community partners for your ongoing support and involvement. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more connected Tarentum.
